Youngsters from eight local schools enjoyed a day of outdoor activities at an annual event organised by leading Midlands landlord whg and outdoor adventure learning charity Wide Horizons.

The Schools Challenge saw children compete in a number of sporty challenges at Cannock Chase. They took on a five mile walk which was interspersed with fun challenges, including a blindfolded obstacle course, riddle trail and puzzle solving.

Thirty whg colleagues volunteered to help out with the event, which was attended by more than 200 children from years five and six.

The event was organised by whg’s Community Health Team in partnership with Wide Horizons. This is the fifth year whg and Wide Horizons have hosted the event, which provides a range of outdoor activities for these youngsters.

Clare Thomas, whg’s Head of Health and Wellbeing, said: “The event is a really worthwhile and exciting experience for the children involved and we have received some really positive feedback from the schools that took part.

“Among our growing Health and Wellbeing portfolio are a number of initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Working with Wide Horizons, our Schools Challenge is a great opportunity to get schoolchildren to have a fun, outdoor experience and participate in a variety of healthy activities to help improve their overall wellbeing.”

Neil Munro, Head of Projects and Partnerships at Wide Horizons, added: “This was the fifth year of the Schools Adventure Challenge and the biggest to date. It was a delight to see children that we have been working with all year on our Adventure Learning Outreach Programme enjoying being outside in a new area working together to complete both the walk and mystery challenges.

“In the beautiful surroundings of Cannock Chase the children were learning how to co-operate with others, take responsibility for their own welfare, and have the confidence and determination to overcome challenges in a supportive setting whilst having fun."